The Man Who Talks to Whales by Jim Nollman
By Megan Mueller (05/23/14 16:19:38)
This class has been fascinating in the sense that every person has an opinion of the place of animals in our lives and in the world. I don't think I've ever realized the extent before. I am by no means an expert on animals, all of my information is based off of personal experience, internet videos, and Cesear Milan's tv show. But somehow I still feel very well informed and very connected to animals. If I took that same equation and applied it to math or physics, I don't think I would have the same confidence. So I guess what I'm trying to say, is like religion, every person has some sort of belief system (informed or not) about animals.

Nollman's essay presents an intriguing case for animals to be learned from instead of learned about. He articulates the limitations of careers in animal field that he was exposed to as a teenager as well as his surprising reconnection with animals as an adult musician. I respect his sense of play and observation to engage a turkey with sound.

The difference between observation and participation relies on fluidity and dynamic wisdom over traditional data points. The goals are different.

It is fascinating to read Nollman's dialogue around tone and audience. His self awareness and ability to rewrite are admirable. I understand that this way of thinking is not something I've exposed to much in my education and I wonder why not? I find value in his approach.




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